6 Signs That Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment

We have all heard sayings that give emphasis to the significance of reacting ahead of time. This concept is appropriate in all aspects of life and Orthodontics is no exception! There is no minimum age for a child to have their first orthodontic visit, although early treatment is important for your child’s oral health and self-confidence.

The benefits of prompt diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic problems are great and can save a lot of time, money, and stress in the future. Your dentist in Fort Myers suggests that children should have their first orthodontic inspection by age 7 to assess prospective problems. By correcting small issues in the early stages, bigger problems are prevented in the future. Symptoms of possible orthodontic issues in young children may not be visible at first, which is why initial assessments at your Fort Myers dental clinic are recommended.

What Are Some of the Signs That Your Child May Need Braces?

1.      The Shape of Their Jaw:

A slightly disproportionate or small jaw or palate may indicate difficulty in biting and chewing abilities later in life. In such situations, braces may prevent crossbite, overbites or underbites from happening.

2.      Crowded or Crooked Teeth:

Crowded teeth indicate that there is not enough space in your child’s mouth for an eruption of permanent teeth, thus the orthodontist in Fort Myers will suggest tooth extraction first and then braces, which will help the teeth to better align and provide space for an eruption of permanent teeth. On the other hand, crooked teeth can cause gum diseases and tooth wear over a period. Although this may not mean that your child immediately needs orthodontic treatment but their oral health should be monitored personally.

3.      Spacing:

It is common to see empty spaces between your child’s teeth; it is because primary teeth are generally smaller than permanent teeth. If the gaps persist after your kid’s baby teeth fall out, an orthodontic clinic near you may suggest braces for your child.

4.      Problems Speaking:

Mispronouncing words or unclear speech may not only point out intellectual complications but could also mean that your kid’s bite is misaligned. Correcting the misaligned bite can help your child to well adapt to academic and social states.

5.      Protruding Teeth:

Overbites and underbites can cause protruding teeth which not only affects your child’s overall appearance but causes their teeth to wear over time. Braces can fix this problem!

6.      Chewing Difficulties:

When the teeth and jaw of your child are not functioning the way they should is when chewing difficulties occur. Chewing difficulties can also occur if your child has a bad or misaligned bite.

Essentially, an orthodontist can determine if your child needs any orthodontic treatment. Early orthodontic treatment can start from the age of seven years before the outbreak of permanent teeth. The aim of orthodontic treatment is to provide better alignment of teeth, jaw development and facial symmetry.